Why was the land of Goshen chosen for Jacob's family?

Goshen was chosen for Jacob's family for several strategic and practical reasons. Firstly, it was a highly fertile region in the eastern Nile Delta, renowned for its rich pasturage, making it ideal for grazing the extensive livestock of Jacob's family, who were primarily shepherds. This ensured their sustenance and economic viability. Secondly, its location provided a degree of geographical and cultural separation from the main Egyptian population centers. Egyptians held shepherds in low regard (Genesis 46:34), which, ironically, served to protect the Israelites from immediate assimilation into Egyptian polytheistic culture. This separation allowed them to maintain their distinct cultural and religious practices, preserving their unique identity as God's chosen people and preparing them for their future as a separate nation. Pharaoh's willingness to grant this prime land underscored Joseph's high standing and the divine favor on the family, ensuring their secure and unhindered growth.

46:34 46:34

Genesis 47:1

47:2 47:2

Bible Versions

¶ Then Joseph came and told Pharaoh, and said, My father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan; and, behold, they [are] in the land of Goshen.

Then Joseph {H3130} came {H935} and told {H5046} Pharaoh {H6547}, and said {H559}, My father {H1} and my brethren {H251}, and their flocks {H6629}, and their herds {H1241}, and all that they have, are come out {H935} of the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}; and, behold, they are in the land {H776} of Goshen {H1657}.

Then Yosef went in and told Pharaoh, "My father and brothers have come from the land of Kena'an with their flocks, livestock and all their possessions; right now they are in the land of Goshen."

So Joseph went and told Pharaoh: “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.”

Then Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, and said, My father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan; and, behold, they are in the land of Goshen.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Genesis 45:10

And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:
Genesis 46:31

And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father's house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father's house, which [were] in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;
Genesis 46:28

¶ And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.
Exodus 9:26

Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel [were], was there no hail.
Hebrews 2:11

For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
Genesis 46:34

That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, [and] also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.
Genesis 45:16

¶ And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

Bible Versions

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